Arts board recommends county accept encaustic panel by Catherine Eaton Skinner for Mesa Public Library

The Arts & Public Places Board voted unanimously to recommend that County Council accept a donated mixed-media panel by artist Catherine Eaton Skinner for display at Mesa Public Library.

Gwen Kalavaso, library manager, told the board the donation followed a recent exhibit at the library’s Step Up Gallery and that the piece would “enhance the experience at the library.” Kalavaso said the artist is accomplished and that the donation came with the expectation the work would be placed in the library.

Board members asked whether the library should accept the work directly or add it to the county collection. Speaker 3 said the county collection has a documented process for acquisition, maintenance and deaccessioning that the library lacks. Kalavaso replied the county’s procedures would help ensure long-term care and clear deaccession steps.

The board also discussed site suitability and conservation. Staff said the piece would be hung on the library’s third floor across from meeting rooms; Speaker 2, who has been in touch with the artist, said the encaustic outer coating the artist uses is generally stable unless placed in direct, south-facing sunlight.

Speaker 3 moved that the board recommend council acceptance of the artwork and the board voted to forward that recommendation. Staff said if council approves the recommendation the item will proceed to procurement/legal to draft a contract, the piece will be added to the public-art archive, and staff will arrange installation.

Next steps: staff will place the matter on the County Council agenda for consideration; any final acceptance and contract will follow council action.